Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 8)

Short Stories : The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 8)

 

CHAPTER 8

Christmas is coming!

Several weeks had passed. Alexander went back to work. Whenever Sergei fell asleep, he would sneak away. His little friend often wondered why his friend was constantly tired.

He had finally earned a good night last night. Now he was sitting there waiting for Sergei to wake up. He counted the notes again and then let them disappear into his coat pocket.

He could have woken him up, but in this case he didn't want to and he didn't need it anymore. Sergei slowly opened his eyes.

>> You are already awake? <<, wondered his little friend.

>> Sure, I was able to earn something. <<

>> With what? <<

"I was serving in a pub tonight," he lied. He didn't think it was great to lie to him, but it was better if the little one didn't know how he really made his money.

>> Why didn't you tell me? <<

>> That should be a surprise. <<

>> Surprise? <<

>> Yes, we'll take a room today. It is the last day of the year and we want to celebrate it. <<

Sergei jumped in the basement for joy. >> Great, finally sleep in a soft bed again. I can no longer see the basement! <<

Natascha Kastinova only received a small pension. So she had to earn something extra at the age of seventy. So she rented rooms on the side. Unfortunately, guests rarely came and when, mostly only regular customers, who appreciated their two clean rooms. So now she was sitting in the hallway of her little house and was knitting on a sweater, which she would then sell at the market. The silence in the hall was broken by the ticking of the wall clock. It was in the living room, but so close to the door that you could still hear it here. Suddenly the door bell ticked. Since she was not expecting a visitor, a customer would have to be at the door. She put the sweater aside and got up. With slow steps she shuffled to the door. Her legs didn't really want to. She used to be a salesperson, and the fact that she was standing a lot was now noticeable. >> Yes, yes, I'm coming! <<, she shouted. No sooner had she opened the door than a cold breeze blew in. Outside, a violent wind blew through the street. Two people stood in front of her. She knew one of them, he came sometimes and took a room for a day or two. Next to him was a little boy who looked miserable. >> Hello Mrs. Kastinova! <<, greeted Alexander kindly. >> Hello! <<, Sergei added.

>> Hello Alexander! <<, she greeted back. >> Who is that? <<

>> This is a friend of mine, a good friend! <<

Natasha had to smile. You want the same room again as always? <<

He didn't really care which of the two rooms he got, but he answered yes to her question.

>> You know where everything is. So I can take care of my legs. The steps are getting too much for me. << She ran to the table and got one of the two keys. >> Here are the keys, normally I would have to ask for a deposit, but you're an honest person, I don't need that! <<

She said this every time Alexander took a room. Alexander went up the stairs, his friend followed him. The two rooms and a bathroom were on the second floor. Just before they reached the top, Natascha thought of something. >> I'm not here tonight because I'm going to celebrate New Year with my girlfriend. That alone is too lonely for me. <<

>> It's good, we'll be fine! <<

>> Yes, let's come! << said Sergei. Sometimes he just had to have the last word.

>> I wish you both a happy new year. <<

>> Yes, we do the same to them! <<, said the little one.

The rooms weren't locked. Alexander knew that and immediately opened the door of the right room. The room was not too big and not too small. A double bed, two bedside tables, a table, two chairs and a cupboard easily found space.

>> But that's a nice room! <<, pleased Sergej, threw the covers to the side and let himself fall on the bed. >> Nice and soft, that's how I like it! <<

Not only was the bed nice and soft, the room was comfortably warm. Something like this room was a real luxury for the two of them. Sure, he could have saved the money, but it was the turn of the year and he didn't want to spend it on the street and in a damp basement. It's a shame that they couldn't always live in such a nice room. >> You have to undress afterwards! <<, he turned to his little friend.

>> Why is that? << asked this cheekily.

>> We have to wash our things and shower properly. <<

>> Great! I don't want to wash myself, I'm clean enough! <<

>> Are you afraid, I'll look away from you. Don't worry, you can lock up. <<

>> Oh nonsense! I just don't feel like it! <<

>> So with a dirty Sergei I don't lie down in this clean bed. Either you take a shower or I sleep on the floor! <<

>> Oh, then I'll go! << Angry, he rose from his soft surface and went to the door. >> But I'm the first to go, then I've got it behind me. What should I put on when you want to wash things? <<

>> Take one of the large bath towels as long as there are some in the bathroom and wrap yourself up with them

>> Do you think things are dry until tonight? <<

>> Don't worry, Ms. Kastinova's oven does this job just fine! <<

Alexander, or rather Natascha's oven, had kept its word, things were dry in the evening!

"It will soon be twelve o'clock!" Warned Sergei.

>> Yes, I bought a small bottle of sparkling wine. >>, Alexander revealed.

His little friend had to smile. >> Hopefully we won't get drunk afterwards. <<

His counterpart grinned. >> No, but we need something to toast! <<

While Alexander opened the bottle, his little friend took two cups from the bag.

He poured gently.

Sergei already wanted to drink from it.

>> Wait, it's not yet twelve o'clock! <<

The first rockets had already been launched outside and some firecrackers could be heard.

>> People just can't wait. <<

Sergei ran to the window and opened it. The bells struck twelve! Everywhere on the street people wished a happy new year!

The two stood at the window and looked at each other. >> I wish you a happy new year, my dear Alexander! <<

>> And I also wish you a happy New Year, Sergei! << So the two of them bumped their cups together and watched the fireworks.

What would the new year bring you?

Unfortunately, business was bad at Christmas. So it was nothing with a room. Fortunately, they found an old cellar. They were sitting there that morning.

"Tomorrow is Christmas!" Said Sergei.

>> I know! << What should he give his friend? There was still some money left. So he thought back and forth. Then he got an idea!

Sergei took off his coat. >> I'm going outside a little bit! <<

>> Wait, I'm coming with you <<

>> No, I want to be alone, I have to think about something important! << After these words he climbed onto the empty wooden box and then crawled out the window.

Alexander shrugged. >> Well, you mean. << His friend didn't hear that anymore.

Still, he was amazed at Sergei's strange behavior. Had the wrong word been said? No, not really. If his little friend was not there now, he could use the time well and get a present for him. So he got up too.

The little boy stood in front of the old house and was thinking. Fortunately there was no snow right now because he was the least able to use it. Hopefully his friend wasn't caught now, but he couldn't think of a better lie. He wanted to buy Alexander a gift. The only problem was that he no longer had any money. Getting one in Moscow could be easy or difficult. Robbing or stealing people was the easier solution. To beg, the heavy one. He had never stolen a person, begged! Unfortunately begging in the shopping arcades was forbidden, so he only had the side streets.

Alexander looked over to the escalator. The electronics department was on the second floor, so he had to go upstairs. But that was easier said than done. You first had to find your way through the crowd. Everyone was in a shopping stress. He almost ran into a shopping cart. It was worse here than on the streets. >> Could I stop by sometime! <<, he asked a woman. The escalator was finally reached! Alexander had only one wish to quickly get Sergej's gift and then get out of the department store! Today it was no fun to browse here. There were just too many people! Today there were also more children around the game consoles than usual. He wouldn't come to play anyway. It was an hour before it was your turn. Fortunately, his memory was good. Three courses further, there it was!

Many small radios, in different versions and MP3 players were in a glass showcase. The MP3 players unfortunately cost too much, but the small pocket radio was not expensive. There was a crank on the side so you could recharge the radio. Alexander practically thought. Batteries run out quickly and buying new ones always ran into money. Fortunately, a saleswoman came at that moment. "Excuse me, could I have this radio, please?" He asked. She instructed him to come forward and took out a box from behind the counter. >> Can you please wrap the radio in wrapping paper, it should be a gift for a good friend! <<

"Of course!" Replied the woman gently.

Finally a friendly saleswoman, thought Alexander. Most of them had to be grateful to be served at all. She was quick to pack up. He thanked him and made his way through the masses again. It didn't look much better at the cash registers, long lines of people everywhere. Many fully loaded shopping carts. One had even put a big TV on it. Another woman scolded her two children. >> I won't take you anymore! <<

He patiently lined up in one of the snakes. It didn't matter which cash register you chose, there were a bunch of people waiting everywhere. Suddenly he caught sight of a man in the other queue. Now he noticed him too. It was the man from the cafe and the one who gave them the money. He raised his hand gently and smiled. Alexander returned the greeting. The stranger's car wasn't particularly full, some groceries, and a box with a small Christmas tree on it. The man was certainly celebrating Christmas with his family. Two more people and then it was his turn. At that moment he remembered that he had forgotten the groceries. "Shit!" Sergei's friend swore.

"Excuse me, do you have a few rubles for me?" He asked a couple who were walking past him. The woman was wearing an expensive fur coat and her husband was also not wearing clothes from the fundraiser. Both just took a quick look at him. This was usually the case, the people with lots of money gave nothing.

He could still hear the woman blaspheming about him. >> Did you see how dirty the boy is. That something's going on here! << Stupid cow, he thought. If you sleep in dirty basements or in the sewers, you couldn't stay clean. If she ever slept down there, she wouldn't look that chic anymore. He wished her from the bottom of her heart!

Suddenly an old Lada stopped and a window was rolled down. The passenger stuck his head out. "Boy, do you want to earn a few rubles?" He asked.

"And how?" Asked Sergei back.

>> We need someone to help us clean up the attic. Afterwards we would drive you back again. You get two thousand rubles for that! <<

Sergei was small, but not stupid. No one paid two thousand rubles for such work. He ran away as fast as he could.

Alexander slipped through the window into the basement. Then he closed it. Sergei was still not back. He was beginning to worry. He hid the present under an old sack of potatoes, the food could remain in the bag. There would be no princely meal anyway. A candle was also in the shopping bag, it should at least be a little festive.

So the hours passed. For the tenth time he looked at his watch and for the tenth time he was reminded of the four guys who had beaten him up. >> Where's his friend just so long? << He didn't get an answer to his question because there was nobody in the basement except him. Then finally someone knocked on the window. It was Sergei!

Russia is Christmas on January 6th and today was January 6th. Jürgen was busy tearing open the box. A small Christmas tree appeared. He had chosen it because the electric candles were already on the tree. He looked cute! He put it on the table and plugged in the power plug. The candles shone in several colors. It looked really beautiful. Unfortunately there was no time to indulge in the little tree. With great strides he ran into the kitchen to make cream puffs and a roast. The cream puffs were not so much for him, but for poor people. Tonight he would take her to a group of street children. A good dozen of them had nestled a few houses down in an old basement. Since it was Christmas, he wanted to give them at least a little pleasure.

Jürgen was just locking the apartment door when his neighbor came up the stairs. >> How is Christmas celebrating? << asked the latter.

>> No, I just bring a couple of cream puffs and some tea to the street kids. It's Christmas, after all, << said Jürgen.

>> Do you mean this horde wherever the streets always go here? <<

>> Yes, exactly, I mean that! <<

The man's face grew serious. >> But you already know that what you are doing is not without risk! <<

>> I don't think they'll do anything to me. << Slowly he leaned over and picked up the bag and tray he had placed in front of his door. >> I wish you a nice Christmas! << Carefully he trudged down the stairs.

The neighbor watched him in amazement. >> You too! << What crazy people there were! This German seemed to be tired of life.

Voices could be heard from the basement. Jürgen put the bag on the floor. He opened the steel door carefully. Unfortunately, it opened quite hard and he could not take both hands because he had to hold the tray with the other hand. The delicious cream puffs were on this. Safely protected with a tea towel. The door was finally open and a dozen pairs of eyes stared at him. If he was unlucky now, they would attack him and rob him. Some of the children stood, others sat on the floor. Some inhaled glue, others sat apathetically.

The basement was completely filthy, plastic bags, empty glue tubes, rusted cans and other rubbish were everywhere. It stank of glue and stale air. Life was hard on them. >> Hello! <<, he greeted her kindly. There was no response! No hello, nothing, just silence! Still, he didn't want to be put off by that. He took off the cloth slowly. Some of the children got big eyes. >> I made it for you. Get it! << The first children finally came closer. Jürgen handed the tray to one of the boys. Now everyone rushed to the boy and everyone took a cream puff. In the meantime he ran outside and came back with the bag.

While the children were enjoying his homemade cream puffs, he took out the thermos. Fortunately, there were two thermos flasks, and he wisely made more tea. So everyone really got something. He poured out a paper cup for everyone. When everyone had had enough, the jugs were packed again. The boy, who was still holding the tray, looked at him sadly, looking at the empty tray.

>> Didn't you get a wind spoil? <<, asked Jürgen.

>> No, but thanks anyway! << This was really a stupid situation. Unfortunately, these were all cream puffs. He could do more, but that would take too long. So he gave the boy a few rubles. Then he looked around. >> I wish you all a nice Christmas! << Slowly he left the old cellar and closed the door behind him.

Jürgen had barely walked a few meters when a voice sounded behind him. >> Wait! <<

He turned curiously. It was the boy! He was with him in a few steps. He estimated it to be about fourteen years old. "May I accompany you a bit?" He asked. >> It stinks in there and I need some fresh air. <<

>> Of course, if you want. <<

>> Are you celebrating with your family now? <<

Jürgen grinned. >> I have no family, I live alone. <<

>> Do you like it in Moscow? <<

>> I'm only there until spring, then I'll move on to Siberia. <<

"To Siberia!" The boy repeated incredulously.

>> Yes, Siberia! <<, confirm Jürgen.

>> There is nothing there, only forest and such. <<

>> That's why I'm going there, because there is nothing there, only forest and such. << He stopped and looked around. >> Big cities are not my cup of tea. I love the nature. Let's say I'm inevitably here because of my work. <<

>> What are you working on? <<

>> I am a writer and write books! <<

"I've never read a book before," the boy said.

>> Why? <<

The person opposite bowed his head and his voice grew quieter. >> Unfortunately I cannot read. <<

>> I know that many who live on the street cannot read and write. <<, said Jürgen thoughtfully. Meanwhile, his hand looks for the house key in the coat pocket and found it. >> I live here! <<

The boy looked at him waiting, his hands buried in his pockets and freezing. Only now did Jürgen notice that the boy was dressed very lightly. This old-fashioned fabric jacket offered no real protection from the cold. >> If you want, you can come in. There are roasts and pasta! <<

>> There was no such thing at home at Christmas, I mean the roast. The pasta already. <<

In the stairwell and halfway down, they met Anton Pavenski, his neighbor. He was busy taking the bones of his feast to the garbage can. Wrapped in a load of newsprint. He gave Jürgen an angry look. How could you be so stupid! But he said nothing more, it was pointless anyway.

Jürgen put the pot on the table and divided the roast into several pieces. Pasta and sauce were already on the plates. Next to it a second plate with bean salad, which was dressed with plenty of onions and garlic.

Tomorrow no one would want anything to do with him if he stank of garlic.

However, this garlic smelled quite pleasant compared to what was sitting next to it. When was the last time the boy washed? Nevertheless, Jürgen showed no sign of it. In a way, he could understand that. With a knife and fork he placed a slice on each plate. >> If you want more afterwards, feel free to help yourself! <<

The visitor could not be said twice. After the first bite, he praised the food. >> It tastes good! I've never eaten anything so fine. <<

>> I'm happy! << Even Jürgen thought that this time he had outdone himself with his cooking skills.

>> They have a nice little tree there! <<

Jürgen smiled. >> Yes, a bit of a Christmas mood! <<

>> We don't celebrate that on the street, it just makes us sad! <<

>> I can understand that! <<

After eating, the boy rubbed his belly with relish. >> That was good! You don't happen to have some vodka there? <<

"Vodka?" He repeated. >> No, I don't drink alcohol. At most on New Year's Eve a glass of sparkling wine. <<

>> Oh! <<

>> I take from your question so that you drink something sometimes. <<

>> The boy laughed. Something is good, more than just something. That stuff is awesome! << There was enthusiasm in his answer.

Jürgen wanted to ask more, but he preferred not to. Sometimes it was better not to know everything.

>> If you want you can sleep here. << He pointed to the sofa.

>> That's nice of you! <<

>> I'll get you a blanket right away! <<

Then they talked for an hour before the lights went out. 

"Where have you been so long?" Asked Alexander, concerned.

>> I had to think for a long time! <<

>> So, so! << The answer was a sign that he didn't believe Sergei.

Sergei actually wanted to share his strange experience, then decided not to tell his friend. It was better that way, otherwise he was worried and today was Christmas, nobody should be worried.

Alexander took the candle and a can of ravioli out of the bag.

Sergei rubbed his hands. >> Oh fine, they are delicious! <<

He carefully opened the lock. The little boy couldn't wait and immediately poked around with his fork in the can. He quickly found what he was looking for and the first dumpling landed in his mouth. Sure, they would taste better warm, but there was no stove in a cellar!

Alexander lit the candle solemnly. >> May everyone be as happy as we are that day! <<

>> You said that beautifully! <<, found his little friend and both smiled at each other.

After eating, he took out two cups of yogurt. >> Our bedside table! <<

Sergei patted his friend on the shoulder. >> A real feast! <<

Even though the two only enjoyed a simple meal, it was better for them than any expensive roast. After everything was consumed, Alexander ran to the potato sack and came back with a package. The little boy looked at him in astonishment.

>> I wish you a nice Christmas Sergei, here from me! <<

Sergei carefully took the package and opened it just as carefully. What came out of the packaging was a dream! The boy beamed all over his face. >> This is beautiful, a radio! <<

His friend was embarrassed. >> I hope you like it. <<

>> Whether I like it, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever got! << Tears of joy rolled down his face. Then he hugged Alexander. >> Thank you very much, my dear Alexander! <<

When he released him, Alexander explained the radio to him. >> You can charge it with the crank. So you don't need batteries! <<

>> That's good! <<

His friend was now assuming he would try the radio, but he only looked at him. > I also bought you something. Unfortunately, it's not that expensive. I didn't get much money! <<, he added sadly.

>> It is not important how much it costs, but that it comes from the heart. <<

>> It's from the heart, Alexander! << A grin spread across his face. He slowly opened the coat. A nice Christmas packaging also came out a little. >> Here for you! <<

Alexander unpacked it less carefully. He was just too curious. It was a pair of blue gloves!

>> So you don't freeze! I hope you like it! <<

>> Yes, they are very nice. When I put it on, I will remember that you gave it to me. <<

Sergei smiled. >> Merry Christmas, Alexander! <<

>> Merry Christmas to both of us! <<

>> Should I turn on some music? <<

Alexander was still looking dreamily at the gloves. >> Yes, some music would be nice. << His face took on a sad expression for a moment. The last music he heard was from Andrei. >> Merry Christmas to you too, Andrej! <<

A good station was quickly found and music echoed through the basement. So now they were sitting there, eating a bag of chips and listening to nice music. The most beautiful Christmas of your life! In some damp basement in Moscow.

Jürgen didn't know why he woke up so early, but it doesn't matter. Then he would make breakfast now. A glance at the sofa was enough to see that it was empty. The boy apparently was no longer sleeping. Slowly and drowsily, he rose and shuffled into the kitchen, which was also empty! Then Jürgen knocks on the bathroom door, no answer, so he opened it. There was nobody there either! The boy was gone! There was nothing you could do about it. Maybe he liked it better on the street.

After showering and shaving, he went back to his bed. His clothes were next to the bed. Then his eyes fell on a piece of kopeck lying on the floor. He immediately took the piece to make it disappear in his wallet. His hand reached into the back pocket and now he noticed that not only the boy had disappeared, but also his wallet! He sat on the bed in shock. Credit card, ID, everything was gone! There was only one way left for him to go back to the house and get his things back!

He pressed the doorbell button. Anton Pavenski opened faster than expected. He stood in front of him, dressed in underpants and shirt. He looked at him with sleepy eyes. "But you already know how early it is?" He asked sarcastically, tugging at his mustache.

>> Excuse me for getting her out of bed so early, but I was robbed. <<

Anton made a face. >> Let me guess it was the lovely street kids! <<

Jürgen felt really stupid at that moment. "Yes!" He replied sheepishly. >> I wanted to ask you if you could not accompany me. Maybe I will get my money back. <<

Anton considered for a moment. Actually, he had to reproach this foreigner now, why was he so stupid and didn't listen to his advice, but he was just an ignorant foreigner, so he didn't do it. >> Wait, I'm just going to put on some clothes for a moment! <<

>> Thank you, thank you very much! <<

It was still dark and bitterly cold outside. Jürgen stuck his hands in his pockets.

>> You can tell that they are not Russian! These temperatures are nothing. I was once in Siberia, so it can be described as mild. << Anton glanced at his watch. >> It's five o'clock, if we're lucky they'll still be in the basement. << Then he was surprised. >> Normally I'm only up at this time when I'm on duty. Today I finally have some free time and I do it voluntarily. <<

>> What are you working on? <<, Jürgen wanted to know.

>> I'm on the railroad, train driver! <<

>> Oh, an interesting job. <<

>> Yes, but you are rarely at home. That's why my wife left me. << He laughed and added. >> Well, she couldn't cook anyway. <<

Jürgen stopped and pointed to the old house. >> There it is! <<

>> And what do you want to do now? <<

>> I want to ask him to give me my things back! <<

Anton almost laughed, he could barely control himself. He looked at him understandingly. >> You see, these children have completely different values ​​than we do. Remember, these children live on the streets, and not just since yesterday. Stealing is something quite normal for them. <<

>> I will ask you anyway! I believe in the good in people! <<, said Jürgen and wanted to walk towards the building, but Anton took him by the arm. >> Better call the militia! Then they will get their things back safely. Believe me, if you go in there all sorts of things can happen, but I don't think so that you can get your things back. What they tasted yesterday was a street gang and as I said, other values ​​count for them. <<

>> You don't have to come with me. I just want them to wait out here. << Jürgen pulled a cell phone out of his coat pocket. >> If something happens to me, you can fetch it with the help. <<

So now he ran towards the house. Anton was thinking. What should he do, let him go alone and wait here? >> Oh, this crazy foreigner! <<, he then scolded. He ran after him with quick steps. At the door he had caught up with the foreigner again. >> You are crazy, you know that! <<

>> Now we're both crazy! <<

"You're right!", Anton confirmed.

It is said that it is better not to be able to see the future. Yes it is better!

Continue Reading to The Greatest Journey of Our Life (Chapter 9)